How much does a locksmith cost?

What do you do when you accidentally lose your keys or lock yourself out of your house? You call a locksmith. If you're thinking about replacing your locks, rekeying your front door, or installing new locks, a skilled locksmith can do these for your properly. But how much does it cost to get locks changed?

The cost of changing locks in the UK depends on the service. For example, lock replacement costs would be different from key-cutting costs. On average, locksmiths charge £60 for lock repair, £70 for rekeying and changing locks, and about £60 for unlocking services. 

Locksmith price list

What services do locksmiths offer?

Professional locksmiths provide various services to address home security and lock emergency needs. Each task comes with its own complexities and, thus, price. Here are some standard locksmith services:

1. Rekeying: This involves rearranging the key pins or tumblers in the existing lock, rendering the old key useless. The locksmith will replace it with a working key for your lock. The price for rekeying is £45 per lock for an internal house door and £55 for a window lock or door handle. 

2. Lock change: As the name suggests, locksmiths can remove the lock and install a new one. The price of changing locks depends on their type. Prepare to pay about £100 to change a Yale lock, including installation and labour. 

3. Lock repair: If your lock is having latch issues or is frozen, locksmiths can repair it to help it operate properly again. The locksmith will have to check the problem to determine if it needs repairing or replacing. 

4. Key cutting: If you lose or break your working key, a locksmith can cut a new key for you if you provide them with a picture or description of the original key. The cost of cutting a house key starts at £5.

5. Automotive locks: Got locked out of your vehicle? A locksmith can help unlock your car or replace the lock. But know that this service depends on the make and model of the car. 

6. Lock installation: Do you want to install a digital lock for your front door or replace an old office lock with a new smart lock? Lock installation is a basic service you can get from professional locksmiths. The average rate is around £120 for both the lock supply and installation. However, this can still go up in case you opt for a more expensive lock.

7. Unlocking: No need to panic if you accidentally lock yourself out of your home. A locksmith can unlock the house door for you. The cost for this will depend on the difficulty and time to open it. 

Factors affecting average locksmith costs

Repair type 

Locksmith costs will vary based on the job you need them for. For instance, a basic key-cutting service costs less than rekeying existing locks. In addition, rekeying a lock is cheaper than a lock replacement. If you need lock repair, here's a list of estimated costs: 

If your lock and key are beyond repair, lock replacement is your best option. When changing locks, their type is essential in determining the price range, so make sure you discuss this with the locksmith before hiring them.

Emergency jobs

Emergency locksmith prices can be higher based on the service you need, the time of day, and the time frame. Of course, expect to pay a higher fee for emergency jobs outside their business hours. More complex jobs such as damaged lock repair also take time to resolve, so it's vital to hire a skilled emergency locksmith.

Emergency locksmith services can go low as £10 and as high as £100. Moreover, you might need to pay a call-out charge and trip fee.  

Location and travel distance

Hiring a locksmith within your area is more affordable. They might require additional fees if they need to travel beyond their work vicinity. Locksmith services in urban areas might also have higher labour costs. For instance, locksmith rates in Edinburgh start at £100 and £135 in Sheffield, while locksmiths in London charge £165. 

Tools and equipment 

Expect locksmith service costs to increase if the job requires additional or specialised tools. For instance, they might use electric drills to unlock or help you access a door. The same goes when they have to work on high-end vehicles, security systems, and safe combination locks. 

And if a lock has been damaged due to an emergency and can no longer be repaired, added labour for replacement might be needed to put things in order again.

British standard locks and home security

The British Standards Institution (BSI) reviews locks and conducts various tests to evaluate the level of security offered. They replicate real-life scenarios wherein the locks might be compromised and award a kitemark to the few who pass the tests. 

To check if your lock is BSI certified, the British Standard Kitemark and lock standard number should be engraved on the lock's faceplate. For instance, BS3621 is the standard for thief-resistant locks. You can ask your tradesperson about recommendations for BSI-certified products to ensure your home is equipped with quality locks.

Post a task for locksmith services

Now that you're familiar with emergency locksmith costs, it's time to create a task to find a skilled locksmith. Once you've posted a task, wait for Taskers to reach out with their offer. Of course, providing the necessary details for an on-the-mark quote is better. Here are some details you can include when filling out the request form:  

• Your lock issue (Do you need to replace, install, or repair a lock?) with a description

• Make and model of lock or car (for car unlocking or lock replacement)

• Number of locks 

• Due date or preferred date

• Whether or not the locksmith needs to supply key locks for installation

• Your location

The more details you can provide, the easier it is for the Tasker to give an accurate price quote. Whenever you get locked out of your home or car, you can get in touch with a skilled locksmith on Airtasker.